At Allies, We Believe…

Here at Allies in Recovery, we believe that recovery from addiction is far more likely to succeed if family and friends become well-versed in how to interact with the loved one who struggles with drugs or alcohol.

This post originally appeared on our Member Site blog, where experts respond to members’ questions and concerns. To sign up for our special offer and benefit from the Allies in Recovery eLearning program, click here.

Where we stand on MAT

One goal can be to help the loved one into a treatment program, one which might include medication. We want to make clear that while at Allies in Recovery we do not see medication as our only goal, we have no wish to stigmatize a treatment plan that includes medication (MAT). We are here with a strong, evidence-based training program designed to help family members and others in the community of the loved one gain the skills they will need.

being knowledgeable about, and ready with, a treatment program to suggest to the loved one at the right moment.

We believe you CAN succeed with Allies in Recovery

Numerous federally-funded scientific studies, as well as our extensive experience working with families, has shown that our approach WORKS. For some addicted individuals, medication can be an important complementary aid in recovery. Allies is not an actual provider of treatment programs or of medication; we are here to provide training and guidance to the family and community. We’d just like to make our position clear, since in recent weeks there has been an engaging debate on our blog on the subject of medication.

Yes, the family DOES have a role to play. Your stance, behavior, and choices DO make a difference. “Tough love” is not a successful technique. Our learning platform is set up to help family members learn the techniques that will reduce conflict, build that bridge of communication, and effectively guide your loved one into treatment. Together we will move your loved one towards recovery. Learn more here.

About the Author: Dominique Simon-Levine
Dominique launched Allies in Recovery in 2003. Her work has been featured on HBO and NPR. She is a facilitator and a trained speaker on issues of addiction and the family. She has worked extensively developing and evaluating federally-funded substance abuse programs for organizations and clinics throughout Massachusetts and New York. With an interest in recovery and substance abuse that spans 20 years, she sees a huge need to help families develop the skills that will help a loved one recover fully in a supportive, whole, and lasting way in their families and in their communities. Her mission is to have Allies in Recovery fill that gap.